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Opinion & Analysis
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The Specialists
BOOK REVIEW (pt. 4): Matt Hughes's autobiography "Made in America" - Most Fascinating, Most Boring and Missing Chapter
Chapter two is the most boring chapter in the book, which is saying something, because there are several chapters that are a slow read. Typically, this early in a book, the author is setting the tone for the rest of the book. By the second chapter, you should be on the hook of the author's line.
Chapter two is where Matt Hughes is establishing his relationships with his family (mostly his brother) and begins his early high school years. He spent so much of this chapter explaining how naturally gifted he was, he missed what could have been the best chapter. He left out the awkward, sometimes fun and funny memories surrounding that time in a young person's life.
His inability to make fun of himself makes this book less fun. He does mention some of the early things he learned from his father and his first wrestling coach. He does this in a non-interesting and drawn out way making this chapter boring.
MOST FASCNATING CHAPTER
The most fascinating chapter in the book is chapter 15, in which he tells the story of his first child being born. It is funny and the most introspective chapter in the book. He reveals more about himself and his family in this really short chapter than he does in the rest of the entire book.
His wife is a straight-shooter and takes no crap from anyone, including Matt. She is one of the most fascinating people in the book, but she is only in the book briefly. This is a book about "The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History," and it is ironic that the most interesting chapter is about his wife and child.
THE MISSING CHAPTER
The missing chapter should have included more of his early fighting career and attached that to the old school UFC. It would have tied the book together nicely if Hughes had included details about the difference between the old UFC and the new UFC. It would have been nice to read how he really felt about Dana White.
Also, it would have been really interesting if he would have mentioned how he feels about fighter pay, how the judges score differently, how MMA has evolved, and anything substantial about The Ultimate Fighter television series.
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